BET Networks Acquires Soul Train

BET Networks, a division of Viacom (Nasdaq:VIAB, VIA), today announced it has acquired Soul Train from InterMedia Partners and The Yucaipa Companies. The acquisition, which brings together two quintessential African American brands, represents an investment in an iconic franchise that uniquely lends itself to providing fans with a wide range of experiences across multiple platforms, beyond the television programs that audiences have enjoyed for decades. The transaction serves to further strengthen BET’s investment in content and underlines the network’s leadership in music-related content.

Owning Soul Train’s intellectual property will allow BET to further build on the success of the Soul Train Awards, which BET re-launched in 2009, and strengthens the network’s commitment to original content. The assets acquired include one of the largest libraries of African American, music-oriented content in the world, including over 1,100 television episodes and 40 television specials. Beyond television, BET will grow the ways in which audiences of all ages are able to interact with this iconic brand, creating a host of ancillary revenue opportunities ranging from live events to consumer products.

“BET Networks is honored to have acquired a brand with such a rich history and unique content that is forever relevant to all segments of our audience,” commented Richard Gay, Executive Vice President, Strategy and Operations at BET Networks. “With a Broadway play and a concert tour as examples of opportunities in the works, we look forward to finding engaging and smart ways to grow the brand while preserving its heritage and legacy in music, dance and fashion.”

About BET Networks

BET Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom Inc. (NYSE:VIA, VIA.B), is the nation’s leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel reaches more than 90 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom and sub-Saharan Africa. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of business extensions: BET.com, a leading Internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; CENTRIC, a 24-hour entertainment network targeting the African-American Woman; BET Music Networks – BET Jams, BET Soul and BET Gospel; BET Home Entertainment; BET Live, BET’s growing festival business; BET Mobile, which provides ringtones, games and video content for wireless devices; and BET International, which operates BET around the globe.

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It Needs To BE CED

It Needs To BE CED

Who is BIG CED?

A total fraud 🙄😜

Richard SpiropoulosProducerBloomberg LPNew York, NY

Big Ced is an influencer who always has something that needs to be said about like-minded folk. This compassionate, helpful individual is the industry’s best friend as he co-signs our projects, giving us additional platforms for exposure

“Big CED is a stand up dude who has always helped me in securing coverage for the artists and projects I’m working on” – @brokencool

brokencoolPublicist/Writerbrokensocial inc.Toronto, Canada

BIG CED is an anomaly. If I’m being frank, I have no idea how to describe what he does for a living. Is he a party promoter? A writer? An industry socialite? Probably all of the above. He’s basically Tommy from “Martin.” We know he works, but where?! What I do know for sure is that BIG CED is kind, he’s reliable, he’s got a winning smile and everyone in the biz has him on their NYC invite list. And I am glad to know him. Keep on truckin’ BIG CED!

Tynicka BattleCEO & FounderTynicka Battle DigitalPrinceton, NJ

CED:

Professional, reliable, open to various ideas, thinks outside the box, willing to give others opportunities. Identifies synergies between his passion/business and the passion/business of others. Works well with others.

Willing to help others, returns calls and messages. A person of integrity.

He’s this guy from the Bronx who when I first REALLY met him, he was working with my girl Michelle Murray at this Video company called “Classic Concepts”. He came down Howard University between 1989 and1991. Mark Pitts said “Kamal, this is my man Ced”. From that point on all I remember was that he kept talking and was a little hyped because by this point they were THE video makers at the time and he had his little tight Classic Concept jacket on lol. I never liked the jacket anyway, so I left the conversation lol.

Fast forward through the 90’s, whether it was the music industry, events that I did and he attended or vice versa, or events, parties, functions that I saw him at, he and I have become good friends. We ran in the same circles. He’s never at a loss for words, not one – EVER. Always has something comical to say. Genuinely a good brother!

In more recent years, he has established a good internet presence, he’s a talented marketer, a good connector of people, and still creates so…

Big Ced is Mr. Connect the dots! An industry insider who is able to help connect people together. As someone that everyone knows and trust, his cosign will take you far. He is also someone who has a very big heart and is willing to support in any way possible. In short… Ced is the Man!!!

BIG CED is an industry professional with a magnanimous personality and a smile to match. For almost twenty years, I have relied on BIG CED to enlighten his networks about my clients and good deeds and he has never once closed his door or acted like he didn’t care, and for that I am eternally grateful. Through his career transitions and evolutions, BIG CED has remained humble and authentic and ALWAYS reachable. In the media landscape it’s common to lose touch with people but through my different career moves, BIG CED has always been just a phone call away. Cheers to BIG CED and may everything he touches be as sincere as he is.

Big Ced is a passionate about the creative process of entertainment in all forums. He cares about the integrity of vision, relationships,and networking. I have never known Ced not to be a man of his word. I have never worked side-by-side you to know your temperament. I have never argued with you or cried because of you to determine whether you are selfish, mean, judgmental, etc. The Ced that I’ve always known for 20+ years has been a consistent friend who never stopped answering his phone for me whether I was on a hit show or unemployed. I know that you follow-through with your plan,you create opportunity for yourself and others and you work harder than most. I respect you!

Big Lez

He’s the ubiquitous Entertainment Industry Insider with with his fingers on the pulse! And all-around good guy!